Category Archives: Apr 2018

On Tuesday, March 27, Fr Dominic Santhiyagu, the new Parish Priest of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (NBVM), celebrated a healing Mass at 10.00am for the sick and elderly.

When he received news of his posting to his new parish, Fr Dominic was filled with fear and anxiety. He voiced his feeling to Bishop Emeritus Anthony Selvanayagam who responded with these words: “Why be afraid? Even Jesus endured pain and suffering.” This allayed his fears and gave him courage. These words echoed the words his late mother once said, that “without pain there is no death and without death there is no eternal life.”

As such, he asked the sick and elderly to embrace pain and anxiety as their way of the cross. He reiterated that if Jesus could go through pain and suffering, then, we as his followers should behold it as well. He urged the people to focus on Jesus and not on the parish priest. Jesus focused on the Father and was able to endure the pain. Change comes from God and from within and so our focus should be in doing the will of God.

He said that although it is not easy to like everyone, with the grace of God, we can live in peace with one another. He gave the sick and elderly three missions: first, to pray for their communion ministers who, without fail, visit them weekly to give them communion; second, to pray for the parishioners who are supporting them, either directly or indirectly and third, to pray for him and Deacon Louis to do the will of God in this parish.

As he anointed them with the healing oil, he urged them to believe that Jesus would heal them. Without faith, there is no healing. He promised the sick, the elderly and the homebound that he and the deacon would visit them after Easter.

After Mass, he embraced each one of them, assuring them of God’s love. Everyone adjourned for a fellowship at the old church hall.

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

The parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel were blessed to celebrate their first Easter Vigil Service on March 31.

They were privileged to have the Apostolic Nuncio to Malaysia, Archbishop Joseph Salvador Marino, as the main celebrant with parish priest of Christ of Light, Desa Jaya, Fr Alan Pereira, concelebrating.

Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel in Sungai Buloh was built in the 1930s by the British to cater to the religious needs of the Catholic residents of the leprosarium. As of now, most of them have either passed away or are unable to attend Mass at the chapel due to restricted mobility.

However, the chapel still continues to have services every Sunday. It also caters to the Catholics living in the surrounding areas of Sungai Buloh, as well as the students from East Malaysia who are studying medical sciences at the various Colleges/Universities in the vicinity.

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

The BEC Area Group 4 of the Church of the Immaculate Conception ventured into unchartered waters when it organised an outreach programme to feed the homeless, the vagabonds and the less fortunate in the streets of George Town at night.

An idea mooted by Ann Theseira was accepted by the members who supported the project wholeheartedly.

About 30 BEC members helped in the packing of the food prepared by Roselyn and Janet Dass, while Dorothy Ong, the assistant coordinator of the BEC, provided the buns.

The members went out in separate teams of four or five in the heritage enclave of Armenian Street, Buckingham Street, the Kuan Yin Temple in Lebuh Kapitan Kling and ended up in parts of Komtar.

It was a great bonding for everyone and a future suggestion was to spend more time in conversation with the new friends that they have made.

BEC coordinator Jillian Fletcher said it was “a first effort by our BEC. We were well received by the less fortunate in the streets It was also part of our community effort during the month of Lent. The succcess of the venture brought us closer together. It also made us more aware that we should appreciate all the things we have”.

Jillian said the group has a year-long series of activities to keep the group members busy.

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KUCHING: About 500 people gathered at the Archdiocesan Curia and Cathedral Pastoral Centre (ACCPC) on April 7 to witness the ‘Malaysia, Sarawak and You’ forum which featured Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan assemblypersons as panellists.

The panellists comprised Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong from Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang from Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Kota Sentosa assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen from DAP and Ba Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian from PKR.

This forum, which was the first of its kind for the Catholic Church in Sarawak, saw the panellists responding to the concerns raised by those present.

Dr Helen Ting, a political science lecturer from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Bangi, acted as the moderator.

The timing of the forum incidentally coincided with the dissolution of Parliament. The General Elections would be carried out within 60 days of Parliament’s dissolution.

The forum was organised by the Political and Social Awareness Ministry based in the Blessed Sacrament Church of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kuching, with the objective to raise awareness, educate and generate interest among the Catholic community on national and Sarawak issues.

The panellists touched on the economy, governance and accountability, religious freedom and the rebalancing of Sarawak-Federal relations. Such education is necessary for valuable participation of citizens in the democratic process.

It is noteworthy that the Political and Social Awareness Ministry was established in response to the call from the Catholic community, while remaining neutral in partisan politics.

Its aim is to help its members engage in Malaysian public life and contribute positively to the advancement of the country by serving the common good.

The organisers stressed the importance of respect and decorum during the forum to inculcate a mature and healthy attitude in politics among Christians.

The organisers also hoped for many future collaborations with elected representatives of different political persuasions to serve and educate the community.

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KOTA KINABALU – Over 60 group leaders and members of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish here attended an update on renovation works and other matters at the parish centre on 19 Apr 2018.

Anthony Lim, chairman of the parish finance council, updated the audience on the renovation works carried out at the parish centre since 2016, using the proceeds from the bazaar that year.

Completed renovation works included electrical rewiring, replacement of faulty main pipe (2016), roofing and gutter system, construction of storage rooms and passageway, repainting, renovated meeting rooms on first floor, and installation of two giant fans in the hall (2017).

In early 2018, overhauling of PA system and video link upgrade between cathedral and hall were done and two LCD screens were installed in the hall.

The other works to be done in 2018 will be the PA system in the meeting rooms and hall as well as the external repainting of the hall.

Lim then appealed to the attendees for cooperation among their members in the use and maintenance of the parish centre facilities such as aircon units and motorised screens (F6, F7, F8), and to observe no-food-drink-rule inside meeting rooms, and other rules.

He also gave a brief update on the progress of the construction of the new Catholic Centre.  He said the earthworks have been completed.  Piling works are scheduled to begin at the end of May until the end of July.  The main building construction will then begin until November 2019.

However, he said, instead of RM1m quota, the quota has been raised to RM2.5m for the cathedral parish.  And that led to the upcoming fundraising bazaar on June 10 in aid of the building fund.

Anita Tunggolou, chairperson of the parish fundraising committee, announced the allocation of bazaar stalls to the different groups, communities, ministries based on the 2016 data.  The target is RM300,000.

In his closing remarks, Archbishop John Wong thanked everyone for their presence, gave a brief background on the decision to build the Catholic Centre, and urged everyone to play their part in the building of this landmark of the archdiocese.

 

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU – Over 90 pastoral staff, volunteers, and aspirants gathered to celebrate the Risen Lord at the Sacred Heart Cathedral premises on 17 Apr 2018.

The staff came from Catholic Archdiocesan Centre Penampang, Cathedral Parish staff, Church of Mary Immaculate Bukit Padang, the aspirants, and their English teachers.

Archbishop John Wong presided at the Mass held at the cathedral chapel.  Joining him at the altar were the two assistant pastors, Fathers Max Hontor and Joshua Liew.  Deacon Russell Lawrine was on hand to assist at the altar.

In his homily, Abp Wong exhorted those present to reflect on how they celebrate Easter and the reason for doing so.

After Mass, all adjourned to the parish hall for the fellowship.  Aside from a sumptious lunch, there were games and dances.  Joining them for the fellowship was assistant pastor Father Paul Lo.

The event concluded with a prayer-blessing by the archbishop.

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU – Keningau prelate testified to God’s love, presence, and protection in his 25 years as bishop.

In  a testimony released 16 Apr 2018, Bishop Cornelius Piong said:

“I know He (God) loves me because in spite of my unworthiness, He calls me to serve Him through the people He has entrusted to me to serve, Keningau Diocese.

“I know that He is with me because without Him I don’t think I can serve the people entrusted to me with joy and perseverance for 25 years in spite of the challenges that I had to go through.

“I know that He protects me from the power of sin and sustains me in spite of my weaknesses.  His divine mercy always gives hope.”

Born in Kuala Penyu on 1 July 1949, Piong was ordained priest on 27 Mar 1977.  He was serving at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Kota Kinabalu when he was appointed bishop of the newly created Keningau Diocese on 2 Feb 1993.  His episcopal ordination and installation took place on 6 May 1993 at the Katedral St Francis Xavier Keningau.

In the past 25 years, Keningau Diocese has grown and developed by leaps and bounds.  Not only has the Catholic population increased (56,852 [1993] to 135,544 [2016]) but the diocese has become a spiritual powerhouse through its two retreat centres in Tatal and Purun and a family pilgrimage site in Nulu Sosopon.  Moreover, it has many vocations to the priestly and religious life (7 priests [1993] to 19 [2016]); 2 religious institutes [1993] to 5 religious institutes and 2 secular institutes [2017]).

What has the silver jubilarian learnt about himself down the years?

“I have learnt that in spite of doubts, I need to be convinced that God loves me, cares for me, and protects me.  Through prayers, His words, Eucharist and community, His call, His presence, and His protection, become a reality and a source of strength and joy in serving Him,” the prelate said.

Moreover, he continued, “I have learnt that commitment cannot be taken for granted” and that he needs to “focus and refocus on Jesus who calls, sends, and sustains me.”

This, he found, can only be done when he makes time to listen and to speak to the Lord through His word, adoration, and pastoral responsibilities in teaching, leading and sanctifying.

He acknowledged that it is the Holy Spirit who enables him to choose to serve the Lord.

“I have also learnt that on my own I am nothing.  It is only in union with Jesus that I am able to be His instrument and be the channel of His presence to the people entrusted to me,” the silver jubilarian said.

He expressed his gratitude to the Lord for His divine mercy and the Holy Spirit that “enables me to be united to Him, faithful to Him and stays with Him.”

The silver jubilee celebration will begin with a dinner at 6:30 pm at the Dewan Keluarga Kudus Pusat Ziarah Keluarga Kudus Nulu Sosopon on Friday, May 4, and ends with a fellowship at Dewan MPP Katedral SFX Keningau after the Thanksgiving Mass at 10 am at Dewan Solidariti Dataran Keuskupan Keningau on Saturday, May 5.

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

Members of the Bethel English Prayer Community (BEPC), or better known as the English Prayer Meeting, took off to the retreat centre at Bundu Tuhan on 9-11 Feb 2018, to rejuvenate and strengthen themselves for another year of activities.

Of the 40 participants, some are currently serving in the ministry while others are those who have responded to the invitation to serve in the BEPC in the year ahead.

Though the prayer meeting has existed since 1974, it has been through many memorable moments, as well as challenging ones.

Currently, the BEPC, with Carlos Cordova as the interim coordinator, is acting as a caretaker for the prayer community pending the expiry of the current leadership to pave way for the election of new leaders this year.

BEPC also paid a courtesy visit to Father Paul Lo as the new assistant parish priest and introduced themselves to him at the close of last year.

Apart from the weekly Praise and Worship, sharing and in-house talks, BEPC also has a special ministry that caters for benevolent prayers, hospital visits and other spiritual outreach for the members. All are invited to join the BEPC for a time of praise and worship every Friday at 8:00 pm at the Sacred Heart Parish Centre, Room F7.

The Bethel English Prayer Community is one of 70 plus ministry/community groups that are flourishing in the Sacred Heart Cathedral parish.

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KOTA KINABALU – The role of the Alumni of St Francis Convent Schools (SFCS) in completing the construction of the new St Francis Convent School (SFCSS) was highlighted at the 4th Franciscan Night on 14 Apr 2018.

In his message, Archbishop John Wong, adviser to SFCS Board of Governors, noted that it is the school’s motto Amare et Servire (Love and Service) which led the Alumni as well as the building and fundraising committees to “see the completion of the new secondary school.”

He expressed his hope that the schools and alumni members be united as “one big family of Franciscans” able to assist and cater to the many needs of the schools and bring them to “greater heights” in the students’ academic and spiritual development.

In her speech, Alumni president Datuk Aminah Ambrose (Class 1975) acknowledged the hard work of the alumni in organised the previous three annual dinners, which were all about fundraising, classroom pledges, and ribbon-cutting ceremonies involving donors.

However, she said that the fundraising effort is not over yet as the school is “not complete without furnishings and equipment for the classrooms and special rooms.”  So she called on alumni members for their continual support to meet the school’s needs.

Ambrose took the opportunity to thank immediate past principal Pang Shat Muai for her support of the alumni’s projects and to welcome new principal Theresa Chong into the Franciscan Family.

Mary Gomez (Class 1979), chairperson of the Board of Governors, said Pang has been instrumental in ensuring that the construction went on smoothly by submitting the documentation and obtaining all the relevant approvals from the Ministry of Education.

Class 1993 sprang a surprise when it presented a donation of RM6,300.00 raised from its Awesome Zumba 2018 in aid of the school building fund.

Gomez received the mock cheque from the class representatives, witnessed by Abp Wong, Ambrose, and Leena Toyoi, chairperson of the fundraising committee.

Among those present at the dinner were Toh Puan Hjh Rahimah Stephens, patron of the alumni, Mother General Sister Frances Mani of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, past Mother Generals Sister Cecilia Liew and Sister Grace Deosing, Dora Loi, headmistress of the primary school, and Grace Shim, headmistress of the kindergarten.

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

The initial expectation 40 years ago, following that of the Aggiornamento of 1976, has been achieved for BECs to a certain extent, i.e. the people who come regularly for BEC gatherings:

(i) know and support one another,

(ii) have had their faith strengthened through the Word of God.

But, the number who attend BECs regularly is minute compared to the Catholic population in the parishes.

The movement of the Church today stresses very much that we change from an inward-looking Church (self-preservation) to that of an outward looking Church i.e. a Missionary Church — in line with the present pontificate of Pope Francis.

Hence, we need missionary disciples who can inject new life into the BECs and move the BECs to the next level, where inner strength (empowered by the Holy Spirit) is exhibited in outward loving service This was stated in the Final Statement from the Melaka-Johor Diocesan Synod 2016, no. 5.3.2(ii) “Set up Trainer teachers and Trainers School for Community Building … ”

Bishop Bernard Paul suggested setting up a formalised training school at the Malacca Johore Diocese BECAFT meeting on August 20, 2017 and again at the South Johor BECCOT Assembly on October 7, 2017.

The objective of SEED

This is to ensure that parish BECCOT chairpersons/BEC Coordinators/ Core Teams may grow in their

(i) faith,
(ii) knowledge and understanding of the development of BECs in the Diocese and Peninsular Malaysia,
(iii) Facilitating skill in community building,
(iv) Understanding of Church and
(v)Theology of Community Building

So that the BECs in Malacca Johore Diocese:

— will be equipped with capable and committed community builders and facilitators endowed with the Spirit of the Gospel to serve
— will come to life and live the call to be 4E BECs

When?

The School of Ecclesial Experience Development (SEED) will begin on:

— May 26, 2018, Saturday in Melaka
— June 9, 2018, Saturday in South Johor

Content of Training

1. The person of the community builder — personal prayer, faith and life (human development), psycho-spiritual, etc.

2. Knowledge

(i) A familiarity with Vatican II Documents and Social Catholic Teaching
(ii) BEC in Peninsular Malaysia, its history, development, process in relation to aggiornamento, Diocesan Synods, PMPCs,…
(iii)Scripture and liturgy

3. Facilitating skills

(i) In prayer – different ways of praying using Scripture (eg. Lectio Divina),
(ii) In community gathering – 3 D and other Gospel sharing approaches,
(iii) Human relationship skills — general discussion, general sharing, decision making, relationship with parish priest, conflict management, etc.

4. Other Faiths and practices – Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc.

5. On-going journey of faith – personal and community, human and spiritual.

6. A Missionary Spirituality of BEC — witnessing and evangelising.

A Six-Month Formation

— The participants will gather for three to four hours or two consecutive nights of two hours each, once a week (consisting of prayer, talk, reflection group study, workshops, etc).

— There will be monthly written assignment or reflections.

— Practicum — giving BEC introductory formations to specific parishes in teams of three.

–A certificate will be given by MJD Pastoral Secretariat to all successful participants who have completed the training.

Who Can Attend  

— Candidates have basic computer skills in using word, excel and powerpoint programmes

— Candidates who feel the call to facilitate faith growth of others through small communities.

— Candidates must be able to understand, read and write in English.

— During the training period, candidates are expected to focus on the training and BEC activities only. This is to allow time for understanding, reflection, prayer, study and research and practicum.

How To Apply  

— Interested candidate must submit a written application, with name, tel. no, email, address and the reasons for wanting to attend this training.

— Parish Priests are urged to select and recommend suitable candidates for the School of Ecclesial Experience Development (SEED)

— Submit the completed application form provided to:

Dcn. Offic: josephoffic@yahoo.com 013-7505594 (Johor)

Francis Ong: mjdbec@majodi.org 012-6178681 (Melaka) By 1 May 2018

The Trainers   

— Malacca-Johore Priests
— Eileen & Fung Ming (Lim) of EQUIP Leadership Trainers  — Engaging Priests of MJ Diocese – Priests are encouraged to book a slot (about 30 Min) to share their personal story on community building.

Contribution
A contribution of RM100

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online